Some effective supplements for GERD include – psyillium husk, activated charcoal, baking soda, digestive enzymes (without any HCL) and specific strains of cannabis.
Acid reflux is a bit of a nightmare.
It is not only very painful and uncomfortable but it can also cause:
- Anxiety and shortness of breath
- Headaches and nosebleeds
- Insomnia
- Difficulty eating
My GERD was causing me to wake up with nose bleeds recebtly, when I started taking lots of vitamin C.
Diet and GERD
- No Citrus fruits
- No tomatoes
- Nothing after 8pm to eat
- No acidic or carbonated sodas or fruit juices etc.
- Lots of fiber – chia seeds soaked for 1 hour+ are great
Not eating citrus or tomatoes has had a huge positive impact on my GERD, as has adding more fiber to my diet. I have overnight oats with chia seeds and a fiber drink 3 times per day.
Supplements and GERD (use at own risk – some people may have side effects)
- Activated charcoal – 5g before bed or when reflux is bad
- Digestive Enzymes – without HCL – no betaine HCL for example. Try 1/4 of a tab first
- Psyllium husk – take 2 or 3 times a day with water
- Probiotics – fermented foods are better but are often quite acidic
- CBD – specific strains of cannabis can help a lot with GERD, others may aggravate it. Smoking and vaping can sometimes make inflammation in the throat worse however, so proceed with caution. Lavender (hybrid) is good for getting rid of the general feeling of nausea.
Honestly, eating for reflux and GERD is more of a lifestyle than a diet. It is very difficult – but it’s worth it.
If you have IBS as well as acid reflux, my big recommendation is to cut out dairy for 3 days and so if you feel any better. This is especially true if you have any sinus problems! This was a life changer for me.
Cutting out gluten also helped me a lot. I’m not gluten intolerant but too much definitely has a negative impact on my gut health.
